“Vincenzo” (2021), the highly successful drama series starring actor Song Joong-ki, won the grand prize at the 2022 APAN Star Awards on Thursday.

“This might make me sound arrogant, but honestly, there were times when I really hated the [filming] scene,” Song said in his acceptance speech during the ceremony, held at Kintex in Ilsan, Gyeonggi. “It was right about that time when ‘Vincenzo’ entered my life. It helped me realize that when many people feel they are understood by this show, I can feel connected with them too.

“I dedicate this award to screenwriter Lee Kyung-hee, whom I respect and admire so much,” Song continued. “She’s my lifesaver; she always hoped for my happiness, from when we began filming the first episode until its finale.”

The APAN Star Awards, organized by the Korea Entertainment Management Association, was established in 2012 to act as a platform to celebrate K-dramas by gathering actors who have influenced hit drama series over the past year.

Song portrayed the titular Korean-Italian mafia lawyer in “Vincenzo.” The show was popular around the world and was in the top 10 TV shows on Netflix.

BY SHIN MIN-HEE [shin.minhee@joongang.co.kr]